Eid-ul-Azha being observed today

Muslims across the country are celebrating Eid-ul-Azha today (Friday) with solemn devotion and the spirit of sacrifice, commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah.

The day began with the offering of Eid prayers at mosques and Eidgahs nationwide. Devotees gathered early in the morning to perform the two rakats of Eid-ul-Azha prayers, where Khatibs and Imams delivered sermons highlighting the significance of sacrifice, obedience, and compassion in Islam. The prayers united people from all walks of life, who embraced and exchanged greetings in a festive atmosphere.

Following the prayers, Muslims are performing the ritual sacrifice of animals—typically cows, goats, or sheep—in accordance with Islamic tradition. The meat is being distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate, emphasizing the values of charity and community.

President Md Shahabuddin and the Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus have conveyed their Eid greetings to the nation and to Muslims around the world. In their messages, they called for unity, compassion, and continued efforts toward building a peaceful and prosperous society.

Eid-ul-Azha also coincides with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Millions of Muslims, including many from Bangladesh, gathered at the plains of Arafat near Mecca to perform the key rituals of Hajj—one of the five pillars of Islam.

This year, the government has declared a 10-day holiday for Eid, from June 5 to June 14, allowing many city dwellers to return to their hometowns to celebrate with loved ones. As a result, the capital city has witnessed a significant drop in traffic and activity, with many roads and public areas appearing relatively quiet.